Top 10 unrestricted free-agent defensemen
If Wednesday proved anything, it's that NHL teams are always looking for defensemen.
With the likes of P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, and Adam Larsson all dealt in under an hour, it's clear teams are seeking upgrades to their back ends.
If teams are unable to swing a trade, free agency is the next best bet. This year's crop of defensemen may not be particularly strong, but clubs looking to fill out roster spots could find a diamond in the rough.
Here are the top 10 defensemen who will become unrestricted free agents July 1:
Brian Campbell
Despite approaching his 40s, Campbell continues to be a solid and reliable two-way pivot.
Campbell made $7,142,875 last season, so his next contract should be significantly lower. If he isn't brought back by the Florida Panthers, he could be a hot commodity for a club with a young defense corps looking for a reliable leader.
Jason Demers
Despite dressing in just 62 contests last season, Demers still managed a career-high seven goals.
The D-man led the Dallas Stars' defense with three power play goals and averaged just under 21 minutes of ice time.
He's not afraid to block shots and throw his body around, making him one of the best all-around defenseman available July 1. Don't be surprised if the Oilers take a shot at inking the 28-year-old.
Dan Hamhuis
At 33 years of age, it's evident Hamhuis isn't the D-man he once was.
His production has dipped, hitting a career-low last season with just three goals and 13 points in 58 games. However, he can still eat up minutes - averaging 21:25 last season - and is strong on the opposite side of the puck as his 72 blocks and 64 hits suggest.
With the likelihood of his next contract being his last, he could prove to be a solid veteran presence on a young team at a decent price.
Justin Schultz
After capturing the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Schultz is now a free man.
Coming off a one-year, $3.9-million deal, Schultz contributed eight points in 18 games down the stretch and another four in the playoffs, which may have changed people's perspective of him.
Schultz saw time on the power play and, above all, proved that, in the right environment, he's less of a defensive liability as he was in Edmonton. Schultz certainly has value.
Kris Russell
Being picked up at the trade deadline by the Dallas Stars did little to make the club a contender, but Russell remains a solid option for clubs looking for a two-way D-man.
He contributed four goals and 19 points in 62 games, but his presence is most felt on the opposite side of the puck. Russell remains among the league's best shot blockers, finishing second in the category with 210, despite missing 20 games.
Dan Boyle
While Boyle admitted to contemplating retirement last season, the thoughts didn't appear to hamper his productivity.
The 39-year-old led Rangers defensemen with 10 goals, his second highest total in the last six seasons.
Boyle's next contract is likely to be his last, but he could be a solid addition to a bottom pairing.
Roman Polak
Polak may have had his skeptics in the playoffs, but he remains a reliable depth option for clubs looking to fill out their roster.
He contributed one goal and 16 points in the regular season, while finishing third in the NHL with 303 hits and blocking 146 shots.
He can be a bully to play against and, whether the stat holds merit or not, Polak managed to be a plus-8 on the last-place Toronto Maple Leafs before his trade to the San Jose Sharks.
Mike Weber
Weber is your prototypical third-pairing defenseman, and though he might not bring value to the score sheet, he brings size, grit, and truculence - all things Brian Burke loves.
He managed just one goal and four assists in 45 games split between the Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals, but had more than two hits per game and 61 blocks.
Ben Lovejoy
Lovejoy might be among the best bargains to be had July 1.
While the Stanley Cup-winner might not be flashy or put up huge numbers, he's a steady blue-line force. He chipped in four goals and 10 points in 66 regular-season games and another six in 24 postseason contests.
He finished third on the Penguins in both hits and blocks while eating up 18:52 of ice time a night. And it should be noted he was paid just $1.2 million to do so.
Luke Schenn
It's crazy to think that, despite having eight NHL seasons under his belt and stints with three NHL clubs, Schenn is still just 26 years old.
While he might not be the same defenseman that was drafted fifth overall in 2008, he remains a punishing presence, amassing 234 hits and 106 blocks in 72 games last season split between the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
If Schenn can rediscover his game he could be the steal of free agency.